A friary is a collective housing space for religiously ordained persons belonging to a common order, whose members take an active role in the outside world. In contrast to a monastery (whose residents belong to a contemplative order and spend most of their time on the grounds), a friary tends to be more limited to simple residential space, and is more easily located in an urban setting. It may however have auxiliary spaces such as prayer rooms, meeting rooms, etc.

The members belong to a common religious order and are active beyond the residence. Housing and shared religious life remain the principal functions of the premises.

A monastery more commonly concentrates work and other aspects of life within its own grounds. A friary can still have prayer or meeting rooms without becoming a self-contained monastic establishment.